When it comes to winning back-to-back gold at the Olympics, it would be better to call Kellie Harrington. The lightweight division boxer is one of the best talents to enter the boxing world from Ireland. With a combined record of over 100 victories in her boxing career, Harrington has time and time again proved why she is considered the best in her game. However, sadly the community might not witness her skills at the squared ring again as she has announced her retirement at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

After defeating Yang Wenlu of China, Kellie Harrington took the mic to state that it would be better for her if she retired. So, who exactly is Harrington and why did she leave boxing at the top of her career? Let us find out.

Where is Kellie Harrington from? Ethnicity and nationality

Born on 11 December 1989, in Ireland, to Yvonne and Christy, Kellie Anne Harrington’s story of reaching the zenith of the boxing world is straight out of a movie. When she was just 15, Harrington developed a keen interest in boxing. She convinced her parents to let her join the local boxing club. Her parents agreed to her demands but the boxing club was hell-bent on not accepting a girl in their club but Harrington was locked on her target. She is from Dublin’s north inner city and is a member of St. Mary’s Boxing Club, Tallaght.

Kellie Harrington persisted in joining her local boxing club and soon enough the club agreed to her demands as well. Since then, the Irish star has not looked back on her dreams. She has won multiple medals in European Championships, European Games, and World Championships. However, the crown jewel of her stacked career is her back-to-back Olympic Gold. The Irish boxer has won two gold medals in her career, 1st in the Tokyo Olympics and the second one is the most recent one which she won at the Paris Olympics. Now that we know about her nationality, let’s have a closer look at her boxing career.

Kellie Harrington’s boxing record and achievements

What happens when a 15-year-old girl takes an interest in boxing and becomes addicted to it? Well, two gold medals at the Olympics happen then. If we were to talk about her career record, then you would be astounded to know that the Irish lightweight boxer has garnered a massive 101 victories to her name and she has only been defeated 17 times.

Well, that’s not all as the 2-times-Olympic gold medalist has achieved much more in her career in comparison to her peers. Harrington is an 8 times Irish Elite Champion at 3 different weights, 2017 European Silver, 2018 European Bronze, 2019 European Olympic Silver, 2016 World Silver 64kg, and 2018 World Gold 60kg.  Well, her career has been nothing but a dream run but it appears that it’s finally ending.

Kellie Harrington announces retirement from boxing

After defeating China’s Yang Wenlu by way of a split decision in the finale of the lightweight category at the Paris Olympics, Kellie Harrington became the first Irish boxer to win back-to-back gold medals for her nation. The victory was sweet for the nation as well as Harrington but for boxing fans, it’s a bit sad as the boxer has finally decided to retire and spend time with her family.

“The last hurrah, I’m done. I’ve always said I want to retire a champion, that’s it. It just gives hope to all these young kids, all these teenagers (pointing at the crowd). It gives hope to the people of Ireland, but this one was for me,” said Harrington. She further added, “When you reach a mountain, find a bigger mountain. And that’s what I’ve done. It wasn’t easy to climb that mountain. (There are) no more mountains.”

When asked about her future plans, Harrington revealed that she wanted to spend her time with her wife Mandy. Regardless, what’s your take on her story? State your thoughts in the comments below.